We watched a movie last night called "Taking Chance". It is an HBO Special so not everyone can get it - yet. It is the story of Marine Lieutenant Colonel M.R. Strobl's decision to volunteer to be an escort for the remains of a fellow Marine, and what happened to him on his journey. Kevin Bacon plays that lead role in a magnificently understated performance.

I first read about the origins of "Taking Chance" in 2004 on a website called Blackfive. This is how Blackfive described it:

The following is Marine Lieutenant Colonel Strobl's account of escorting the remains of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps. It's a long and beautifully written and it deserves to be read in it's entirety. It's about Valor, Honor and Respect.

This morning, on the way to work, Gary asked, "Was that a made for TV movie?"

I said, "It was made for HBO."

He said, "Kevin Bacon was really good." Pause. "Even I was starting to cry at the end."

I sent him the link to the story above. It has been - and remains - one of the most moving, yet simple, pieces I have ever read.

[Semper Fi.]

Quote du jour:

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem."